FILM AND OTHER CREATIVE INDUSTRIES EXTOLED IN THE 2ND NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

 

Film representatives take a photo with Dr Maria Nassali

Use film and other creative sectors to leverage culture as a tool for political, economic and social development of our society.  Her royal highness, Nabagereka of Buganda.

The 2^nd National Symposium of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Creative Industries (UGAPAFOCI) set the stage for insightful discussions on the role of creative industries in social economic transformation of Uganda.  The symposium was held on 1^st and 2^nd February at the International Conference Centre in Kampala, under the theme “Our culture, our pride, our responsibility:  Changing the narrative”. The symposium was attended by members of parliament, stakeholders, and representatives from the film and other creative sectors. Film & Television training institutions were represented by Nkambo Robert, from Mediavision Academy.  The symposium kicked off with welcoming remarks from the chairperson of UGAPAFOCI.

Sr. Dominic Dipio professor of Literature and Film at Makerere University discussed the need to build a comprehensive database and mapping system for cultural and creative enterprises in Uganda.  She gave a detailed and organized identification of the various elements within Uganda’s cultural and creative sectors. 

Panelists for intersection of culture & technology 

A panel discussion on the intersection of culture and technology followed. The discussion focused on the role of Artificial Intelligence and language in changing the narrative for sustainable development.  Among the panelists was Iga Sam a poet and board member of Femrite, Dr. Charles Mulekwa a lecturer at the department of Performing Arts and Film of Makerere University and Dr. Stephen Rwangyezi, director of Ndere Troupe.  It was moderated by James Wasula an intellectual property rights activist.  

Hon. Racheal Magoola UGAPAFOCI chairperson speaking.

In the afternoon, Hon. Racheal Magoola cited the vision, mission objectives, and accomplishments made by the forum since its inception in December 2022. She then invited the chief guest her Royal Highness Nabagereka of Buganda, represented by Dr. Maria Nassali, the deputy vice chairperson of the Nabagereka Development Foundation to officially open the meeting.    In her remarks, the Nabagereka commended UGAPFOCI for rapidly achieving results. She encouraged stakeholders in the creative sector to use the platform available on a daily basis to revamp and improve Uganda’s cultural values. “Use film and other creative sectors to leverage culture as a tool for political, economic and social development of our society,” she lamented.  She appealed to government to double its support to the creative sector, so that it can make more contributions to the National economy.

Dr. Maria Nassali addresses the meeting 

On the following day, a panel comprised of Dr. Munir A. Safieldin the country representative of UNICEF in Uganda, Tyaba Charles, the president of the Uganda Film Association, Hon.  Makooha woman MP for Namayingo district, Ulokchwinyu Ubia from Tebere Arts Foundation and Owen Mwesigye from Family TV discussed safety screens for children. The discussion established urgent need for parents, regulators, and the creative sector to collaborate and secure a safer digital landscape that nurtures the well-being and development of the younger generation. From the discussion it was resolved that,  there is need for comprehensive a Media Classification system, stricter regulation of pornographic content, enhanced oversight of online platforms, collaboration with Industry stakeholders, international collaboration, public awareness campaigns, technology-based Parental Controls, strict enforcement and penalties, education and sensitization programs and regular review/updating of policies.

The media team and participants following the discussions 

Chilufya Besa, the Country Director at British Council presented a paper on policy alternatives, formalization of creative businesses, funding the arts and creative industry in Uganda, community heritage conservation and sector mapping research in Uganda.

Panelists discussing policy & funding of the creative sector

A panel discussion featuring CK Japheth director of MOTIV and the Innovative Village, Nelson Kasadha the programs director at Stanbic, bank incubation center, Barbara Babweteera the Executive director of Cross Cultural Foundation Uganda and Faith Aweko founder of Reform African followed.  The debate came up with 5 key resolutions to move the creative sector forward.   1. Review regulatory and policy frameworks towards enabling environment, 2. Enhance incubation facilities to encourage creativity, 3. Collaboration and networking to avoid duplication of efforts, 4. Identify active domains within the creatives and register the players for the market and 5. Facilitate presentation of cultural Heritage through presentation efforts like content production.

The forum was then closed by James Wasula on behalf of the UGAPAFOCI chairperson.  Participants were later hosted at a stimulating cocktail reception.

Written by Nkambo Robert – Director Mediavision Academy